GLBTA getting ready for Bell Shoals Baptist candidate forum

The ultraconservative Bell Shoals Baptist Church in Brandon is hosting its huge candidates forum Wednesday, and the Hillsborough County Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Allied Caucus is devising a strategy for participating. In a Facebook message, caucus member Sally Phillips suggests it would be best to "blend in with these conservative folks" as best as possible.

"It is not a place we want to wave the rainbow flag and protest -- doing that will almost certainly cause a disruption, and play right into their hands, as to why they preach against us," Phillips wrote.

She also suggested clapping for Democratic candidates who support their causes, and simply holding up signs that say "Boo" when people say things they don't like. The ultimate goal, she says, is to engage in a respectful way.

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